The subject of this iconic, full-face portrait is Close himself. When seen at close range, the self-portrait dissolves into a buoyant sea of mosaic-like color blobs, resembling anything from teardrops and doughnuts to the pixels that make up digital imagery. Occasionally these shapes break out of their designated grids, which are arranged diagonally in a diamond-patterned network, leading to further dissolution of the image. However, when the viewer slowly backs away from the print, the glimmering surface coalesces into a cohesive image of the artist’s famous visage. This is one of Chuck Close’s most memorable and satisfying self-portraits and the first in which he is shown smiling.

Created in 2012, this screen print is printed in 246 colors. It is hand-signed by Chuck Close in pencil in the lower margin and numbered from the edition of 80. The work is floated in a white-washed maple frame.